A few weeks into her first year leading Hume-Fogg, Dr. Erin Cáceres answered our questions — on Spanish, a love of learning, and her most-used emoji.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated as valedictorian from Page High School (class of 2000). I earned a BA in Spanish from MTSU and studied abroad at the University of Murcia in Spain.
I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from MTSU, An Education Specialist degree from Lipscomb and a Doctor of Education degree from Lipscomb.
When you were in high school, what did you want to be/study?
My parents were both veterinarians, so I originally thought about animal science. However, when my Spanish I teacher came to class and started speaking Spanish, I knew I just had to become fluent and learn as much as I could about literature and culture from the Spanish-speaking world.
How would you describe Hume-Fogg students?
I’ve been using the word “multi-dimensional” to describe Hume-Fogg students. This is because they are so talented and special in so many ways. Also, they bring so many interesting and inspiring voices, ideas, and perspectives to the community that makes for a truly unique environment of authentic self-expression and learning.
What’s your vision for Hume-Fogg? What does student success look like to you?
The part of our overall vision that we have chosen to focus on this year is a “love of learning”. To me, this means that students are given opportunities every single day to express curiosity, to explore and inquire about different topics, and are given relevant and meaningful ways to engage with the content they are learning. Success at Hume-Fogg is an appreciation and care for the process of learning over the product of a grade or test score.
What do you enjoy most about being an educator? A principal?
I enjoy watching students find something that inspires, challenges, or piques their interest and then dive into learning more about it. My “why” as an educator is having the opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of students that will positively impact their future. I do not take that lightly and challenge myself every day to seek out opportunities and moments where I can make that difference. As a principal, I get the added bonus of working with teachers and staff members to create a culture and climate in which everyone can find their place and their success.
Time for some rapid-fire questions!
Coffee or tea? Coffee for sure!
Most-used emoji? The head with the orbiting hearts 🥰
Favorite subject in high school? Spanish!
Favorite recent read? “Thanks for the Feedback“
Fiction or nonfiction? I prefer fiction but find myself reading more nonfiction.
Favorite snack? Popcorn
Hobbies: I enjoy running, travel (especially to our home in Chile), dance, and Bad Bunny songs.
Family and pets? We have a little rescue dog named Lola. I have a daughter who is a freshman at Coastal Carolina University and an 8th grader who I hope will come to HFA next year!